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An Increased number of Sharks reported in some Protected or Zoned Areas, 2006

Through the continual pressure by local and foreign NGO's as Earth Advocates to zone off specific areas too allow fish stocks to recover and to protect Shark populations from total extinction has been showing good results. An attempt to re-balance the Marine ecosystem in such areas has been very promising. Earth Advocates have discovered an increased number of mature, and especially juvenile sharks in such protected zones. Such zones have been established in many tourist areas were recreational water sports as diving are practiced.

During 2006, Earth Advocates have recorded increased sightings along Bali's east coast in Ammed and Tulumben, North Sulawesi National Park of Bunaken and ManadoTua, and zoned areas of Lombok's north Gili Island group.

There were also sightings of pregnant Sharks, as sighted by Robin Marinos whilst free diving during June 2006, off Lombok's Gili Islands. This Black Tip Reef Shark is in the process of giving birth.

All Sharks need Protection to keep seas balanced and regulate fishing (and eating) habits, to reduce careless pillage !

Despite these small improvements in some areas of the World, especially protected areas, in most unprotected areas the Shark is being hunted to extinction. Some areas thriving with Sharks have no more. In Kota KintaBalu and the surrounding areas, thousands of Sharks were caught from all over the Archipelago, and sold from the Fish markets to their mainly ethnic Chinese customers, hotels, restaurants, etc.

Sad reality is the irresponsible Fisherman catch and sell all including the very small ones. So much for the. There is virtually no protection for Sharks in any areas where this demand exists!

During the investigation done by Earth Advocates, there was a criminal case pending in Kota Kintabalu when Whale Shark Fins were discovered in a Chinese Restaurant. The Whale Shark a CITES declared Protect Species since 2002. Maybe too little too late if drastic measures are not taken soon to stop all shark killing.

 

Read more about irresponsible Restaurants (in Bali), Current Projects, Tackling the Live Fish Trade.